Did you know that in Germany, newlyweds will saw a log in two to commemorate their marriage?
Across time and cultures, there are a wide variety of old wedding traditions. Whether it’s tossing the garter or stuffing cake in each other’s faces, there’s a good chance you’ve seen them all at the reception. They’re so common that you don’t even think twice about them.
So, to make your wedding memorable, why not try out some new wedding traditions?
In your wedding planning, breaking away from the standard formula might spice things up. Join us as we discuss exciting new ways that you can tie the knot.
New Wedding Traditions: Try a Color Other Than White
White as a bride’s wedding dress is so deeply cemented into our culture that no one questions it. White symbolizes the purity of a bride and her newness in a relationship. But as far as traditions for weddings go, this one is changing slowly over time.
Many brides are going with any color they choose: salmon, turquoise, and even red.
You can go even further than that. There’s nothing to stop you from changing up the entire style of your dress. You can even dispense with the dress entirely and go for another outfit.
Remember, this is your day, no matter what the tradition is. If you want to stand out from countless brides in white, then this is a great place to make heads turn.
Forgo Planning a Color Scheme for Your Guests
Everyone has had to do it at least once in their life. A man buys a tie with a specific color for a wedding, then never wears it again. In some cases, guests’ attempts to fit your attire policy might make their outfits look goofy and mismatched.
So why give not give the freedom back to your guests? Allow them to dress up as they will. Rather than a room full of people in the same color palette, you get diversity and the potential for unique outfits.
Wedding photos might be more memorable, too. Who knows, you might just have the best-dressed crowd.
If you want to go a step further, you could introduce a different kind of theme. Star Wars fans might ask guests to come as their favorite Star Wars characters. The result could be much more interesting than everyone with the same color shoes.
Try Different Newlywed Games
Every wedding comes standard with a few fan favorites: the garter toss, the flower toss, and the first dance. Instead, consider changing things up.
These don’t have to be elaborate setups, either. You can do simple games that will bring laughter and make the night unforgettable.
For example, you can play the shoe game. In this game, the bride and groom hold two shoes–one of theirs, and one of their spouse’s. Then they sit back-to-back in chairs.
Then, the DJ or Emcee asks them questions: who snores the loudest? Who cooks the meanest burrito?
In response to these questions, the bride and groom hold up the shoe of the person that best matches the answer. The results are often entertaining and hilarious.
Be Bolder With Your Wedding Registry
There are a few unspoken rules about wedding registries. Always ask for plates, but never ask for something expensive. And most importantly, never ask for cash!
Instead of following all these standard registry wedding traditions, you can make the registry work for you.
Need help purchasing an expensive item? There’s no harm in listing it. If one of your guests is feeling incredibly generous, then let them help you get something you want.
The average wedding can cost as much as $28,000. There’s no harm in asking for cash donations. If you’re going to recoup the cost and save for a honeymoon, a new rice cooker won’t help.
Change Up the Wedding Ceremony
Traditions for a wedding all include a general template for the ceremony. There are ring bearers, the walk down the aisle, and your local priest saying the right words. But like all traditions for weddings, they can get a bit stale.
People might not remember a wedding that was the same as the last hundred. But they will remember weddings that caught them by surprise.
You could have adult ring bearers who do a dance. Instead of the walk down the aisle, all your guests could trail in behind you. Instead of a priest, you could have Obi-Wan Kenobi.
The point is, that you can change any aspect of the ceremony that you desire. It’s your wedding.
Switch Out the Wedding Cake
The wedding cake is the definitive symbol of any wedding. So, if you want to be unique, you could swap it out for something else.
You could give everyone their own cupcakes or try slices of cheesecake. Make handheld pies, or even go for donuts.
Maybe you’re not a fan of the idea of getting cake on your face. Or you’d rather not do it in front of your new in-laws. You could cut out this particular part of the proceedings and do something else.
Wedding cuisine should be up to you, period. Wedding cakes are expensive and don’t allow for much variety. When you’re doing wedding planning, ask your wedding venue to prepare your favorite dessert.
Find a Venue for Your Wedding
Old wedding traditions provide a tried-and-tested formula for carrying out your wedding. However, the power is yours to go for new wedding traditions that change things up. These traditions might make for a more memorable night and help your guests to remember the night of your union long into the future.
Question is, where are you going to host your wedding? The answer is the Madison Event Center. Book a tour today and make this the place where you exchange your vows.